So You Want Wheels in the Apocalypse? A Guide to Acquiring a Car in Project Zomboid (Without Getting Eaten)
Let's face it, the Knox County Knox Event (aka the zombie apocalypse, for those fashionably late) has put a damper on public transportation. Buses? Gone. Trains? Became unwelcome snack stations for the undead hordes. Hitchhiking? Not unless you fancy a free ride to Zombieland (one-way ticket only). Fear not, fellow survivor! There is a glimmer of hope – glorious, four-wheeled hope – and its name is the humble automobile.
But before you grab the nearest rusty jalopy and peel out, be warned: Snagging a car in Project Zomboid can be trickier than explaining to your neighbor how exactly Fluffy the cat became "unwell." This guide will equip you with the knowledge (and a healthy dose of humor) to become a post-apocalyptic Mario Andretti, minus the fetching overalls.
How To Get A Car Zomboid |
Option 1: The Keymaster
Ah, the classic method. Simply find a car with a key and voila! Instantaneous freedom, right? Well, not quite. Finding a car with its loyal key bestie is like stumbling upon a unicorn – rare and potentially dangerous (if said unicorn has a taste for brains).
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Here's where to check for these automotive soulmates:
- The glove compartment: This is the most common hiding spot, but don't be surprised if someone beat you to the punch (or became one with the punch, thanks to a rogue zombie).
- Nearby houses: Did the car's previous owner have a thing for interior decorating with car keys? Check the houses near parked cars, especially driveways. There's a chance they forgot their keys inside while rushing to escape... something.
- The ground (optional, not recommended): Eagle-eyed scavengers might spot keys glinting amongst the detritus of civilization. This method is fraught with peril (zombies love shiny things), so approach with caution.
Pro Tip: If you find a key but have no idea which car it unlocks, there's a handy trick. Approach a car, hold onto the key, and right-click. If it unlocks the car with a flourish (or a rusty groan), you've found your match!
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Option 2: Hotwiring Like a MacGyver Wannabe
This option is for the thrill-seekers, the rebels, the ones who yell, "Hold my screwdriver!" at the first sign of a locked door. Hotwiring a car requires two things: guts (because zombies) and a decent amount of Electrical and Mechanics skill.
- Electrical 1: This allows you to bypass the ignition. Basically, you're picking the car's electric lock – with wires.
- Mechanics 2: You'll need this to diagnose (and hopefully fix) any underlying problems that might prevent the car from, you know, actually starting.
Remember: Hotwiring is a risky business. If you fail, you set off the car alarm (assuming it still works), attracting a chorus of moans that would make a death metal concert blush.
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But hey, if you pull it off, you'll be the coolest apocalypse survivor on the block... until someone with a shotgun shows up.
Option 3: Embrace the Grind (or Let the Gas Flow)
This option is perfect for the patient player. Gas stations in Project Zomboid have magical pumps that dispense endless supplies of the good stuff (assuming you have a container to hold it). Here's the plan:
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- Find a gas can: These are scattered around the map, often in garages or sheds.
- Siphon gas from other cars: This is a bit of a jerk move, but hey, survival of the fittest, right? Just make sure the car you're siphoning from isn't leaking like a sieve (unless you enjoy impromptu flamethrowers).
- Fill up your car: Once you have enough gas, find a car that looks like it hasn't been used as a zombie chew toy and fill 'er up!
This method takes time, but it guarantees a running car (as long as the battery isn't dead and the essential parts are intact).
Bonus Tip: No matter which method you choose, always check the car's condition before hitting the gas. Nobody wants to become a human hood ornament because of a flat tire or a missing engine.
With a little know-how and a whole lot of luck, you'll be cruising the Knox County wastelands in style (or at least, avoiding getting chased by shuffling corpses in style